Router Table

ABSTRACT

Various example embodiments are disclosed. According to one example embodiment, a router table may comprise a table top, a mounting can, a sleeve, and an adjustment mechanism. The table top may have an aperture and a plurality of support members; the support members may be configured to support the table top. The mounting can may be attachable to the table top in a vicinity of the aperture. The sleeve may be engaged to the mounting can, and may be configured to receive a router and to position a router bit of the router along an axis extending through the aperture. The adjustment mechanism may be configured to move the sleeve within the mounting can and relative to the table top to thereby move the router along the axis and position the router bit at one of a plurality of positions relative to the table top.

The present application was developed pursuant to a joint researchagreement between Black & Decker (U.S.) Inc. and Ingenious DevicesEffects And Solutions, Inc., which was in effect at the time theinvention was made.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This Application is related to U.S. Non-Provisional Patent ApplicationNo. XX/XXX,XXX, entitled “Router Table,” filed on Feb. 6, 2008.

PRIORITY CLAIM

The present application claims the benefit of priority based on U.S.Provisional Application No. 60/899,943, filed on Feb. 7, 2007, entitled“Router Table,” and U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/934,208, filedon Jun. 12, 2007, entitled “Router Table,” the disclosures of which arehereby incorporated by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to router tables.

BACKGROUND

Routers may be used to remove wood from a workpiece. A router table mayinclude a table top on which the workpiece may be laid to performrouting operations. The router table may secure the router in a positionunder the table top, so that a router bit of the router extends beyond asurface of the table top. In this way, a woodworker may more easilyposition and move the workpiece in a desired manner, relative to therouter bit, to achieve a desired cutting of the workpiece.

SUMMARY

According to one general aspect, a router table may comprise a tabletop, a mounting can, a sleeve, and an adjustment mechanism. The tabletop may have an aperture and a plurality of support members; the supportmembers may be configured to support the table top. The mounting can maybe attachable to the table top in a vicinity of the aperture. The sleevemay be engaged to the mounting can, and may be configured to receive arouter and to position a router bit of the router along an axisextending through the aperture. The adjustment mechanism may beconfigured to move the sleeve within the mounting can and relative tothe table top to thereby move the router along the axis and position therouter bit at one of a plurality of positions relative to the table top.

Implementations of this aspect may include one or more of the followingfeatures. An outer circumference of the sleeve may be engaged to aninner circumference of the mounting can. The sleeve may be slidablyengaged to the mounting can. The adjustment mechanism may comprise arack and pinion mechanism. The adjustment mechanism may include a pinionlock configured to prevent the sleeve from moving. The adjustmentmechanism may include a lever. The sleeve may be configured to securethe router inside the sleeve. The inner diameter of the sleeve may beapproximately equal to an outer diameter of a base of the router. Themounting can may be secured to the table top by fasteners. The table topmay include an insert which includes the aperture, and the mounting canmay be secured to the insert plate. The router table may furthercomprise a fence configured to move toward or away from the aperture.The fence may include an adjustment knob configured to translaterotational movement of the adjustment knob into movement of the fencetoward or away from the aperture. The fence may include independentlyadjustable subfences. The router table may further comprise at least twotracks, and the fence and the at least two tracks may be configured tocause two end portions of the fence to move along the at least twotracks in tandem. The router table may further comprise a vacuum portextending through a hole in the fence. The router table may furthercomprise a vacuum port configured to receive dust particles created bythe router bit routing a workpiece.

According to another general aspect, a router table may comprise a tabletop, a mounting can, and a sleeve. The table top may have an apertureand a plurality of support members configured to support the table top.The mounting can may be attachable to the table top in a vicinity of theaperture. The sleeve may have an outer circumference engaged to an innercircumference of the mounting can, and may be configured to receive arouter and to position a router bit of the router along an axisextending through the aperture.

Implementations of this aspect may include one or more of the followingfeatures. An inner diameter of the sleeve may be approximately equal toan outer diameter of a base of the router. The sleeve may be slidablyengaged to the mounting can. The mounting can may be secured to thetable top by fasteners. The router table may further comprise a fenceconfigured to move toward or away from the aperture.

According to another general aspect, a router table may comprise a tabletop, a router mount, and a geared mechanism. The table top may have anaperture and a plurality of support members configured to support thetable top. The router mount may be attached to the table top andconfigured to receive a router. The geared mechanism may comprise a knoband a driveshaft and be configured to position the router along an axispassing through the aperture in response to rotation of the driveshaftby the knob.

Implementations of this aspect may include one or more of the followingfeatures. The geared mechanism may further include a measurementindicator including indicia. The geared mechanism may further comprise afine adjustment knob and a gear reduction mechanism; the gear reductionmechanism may be configured to translate rotation of the fine adjustmentknob into rotation of the driveshaft by a ratio of less than onerotation of the driveshaft for each rotation of the fine adjustmentknob. The table top may include an insert plate which includes theaperture, and the router mount may be attached to the insert plate. Therouter table may further comprise a pinion lock configured to lock theknob in place. The router table may further comprise at least onering-shaped collet secured to the router mount by fasteners. The atleast one ring-shaped collet may include a compression aperture betweenends of the at least one ring-shaped collet configured to adjust aradius of the at least one ring-shaped collet.

According to another general aspect, a router table may include a tabletop, an insert plate, and a mounting plate. The table top may have anaperture and a plurality of support members configured to support thetable top. The insert plate may be received by the table top. Themounting plate may be rotationally mounted to the insert plate.

Implementations of this aspect may include one or more of the followingfeatures. The insert plate may comprise a plurality of insert platetables, the mounting plate may comprise a plurality of mounting platetables configured to mate with the insert plate tables, and the mountingplate may be mounted to the insert plate by engagement of the mountingplate tabs to the insert plate tabs. The router table may furthercomprise a throat plate resting on a mounting shelf of the mountingplate. The throat plate may be secured to the mounting plate by arelease tab; the release tab may be configured to release the throatplate in response to a user pulling on the release tab. The throat platemay be secured to the mounting plate by a spring-loaded release tab; thespring-loaded release tab may be configured to release the throat platein response to a user pulling on a trigger of the spring-loaded releasetab.

According to another general aspect, a router table may include a tabletop, a fence, and an adjustment mechanism. The table top may have anaperture and a plurality of support members configured to support thetable top. The fence may extend across a portion of the table top in afirst direction and include a first end portion engaged to a firstportion of the table top by a first gear mechanism and a second endportion engaged to a second portion of the table top by a second gearmechanism. The first gear mechanism and the second gear mechanism may becoupled to each other by a drive shaft. The adjustment mechanism may beconfigured to drive at least one of the first gear mechanism, the secondgear mechanism, and the driveshaft.

Implementations of this aspect may include one or more of the followingfeatures. The first gear mechanism and the second gear mechanism maycomprise rack and pinion mechanisms. The table top may further includean accessory gage slot. The adjustment mechanism may be configured tomove the first end portion and the second end portion an equal distance.The router table may further comprise at least one subfence configuredto move toward or away from the fence. The router table may furthercomprise at least two ramps interposed between the fence and the atleast one subfence. The at least two ramps may be located between thefence and the at least one subfence; the at least two ramps may includewedges configured to mate with the wedges of the other ramp. The atleast one subfence may be configured to receive a fastener; the fencemay include a slot configured to receive the fastener. The adjustmentmechanism may include a fence adjustment knob and a fine fenceadjustment knob. The first end portion of the fence may be engaged to afirst track of the table top by the first gear mechanism and the secondend portion of the fence may be engaged to a second track of the tabletop by the second gear mechanism. The adjustment mechanism may includeat least one knob coupled to the drive shaft by interlocking gears. Therouter table may further comprise a clamp lever configured to secure thefence in place by frictional engagement with the table top. The fencemay include a measurement indicator.

According to another general aspect, a router table may include a tabletop, a fence, and an adjustment mechanism. The table top may have anaperture and a plurality of support members configured to support thetable top. The fence may extend across a portion of the table top. Theadjustment mechanism may include a first knob and a second knob. Thefirst knob may be configured to cause the fence to move a first distanceacross the table top per rotation of the first knob. The second knob maybe configured to cause the fence to move a second distance across thetable top per rotation of the knob.

Implementations of this aspect may include one or more of the followingfeatures. The adjustment mechanism may be configured to move the fencetoward or away from the aperture. The fence may include independentlyadjustable subfences. The router table may further comprise at least twotracks, and the adjustment mechanism may be configured to cause two endportions of the fence to move along the at least two tracks in tandem.The router table may further comprise a vacuum port extending through ahole in the fence. The router table may further comprise a mounting canattachable to the table top in a vicinity of the aperture and a sleeveengaged to the mounting can; the sleeve may be configured to receive arouter and to position a router bit of the router along an axisextending through the aperture.

According to another general aspect, a router table may include a tabletop, a fence, and a first subfence and a second subfence connected tothe fence. The table top may have an aperture and a plurality of supportmembers configured to support the table top. The fence may extend acrossa portion of the table top. The first subfence and the second subfencemay each be configured to move toward or away from the fenceindependently of the other.

Implementations of this aspect may include one or more of the followingfeatures. The router table may further comprise a first clamp and asecond clamp secured to portions of the fence opposite from the firstsubfence and second subfence, respectively, each of the first clamp andthe second clamp including a sliding block, and handle hingedly attachedto the sliding block, and at least two T-bolts configured to pull thefirst or second subfence toward the first or second clamp, respectively,when the handle is pushed. The first and second clamp may each furtherinclude trunnions configured to pull the at least two T-bolts when thehandle is pushed, causing the T-bolts to pull the first or secondsubfence toward the first or second clamp, respectively. The trunnionsmay include eccentric pivot drawbolts.

According to another general aspect, a router table may comprise a tabletop, a fence, a subfence connected to the fence, and at least two rampssandwiched between the fence and subfence. The table top may have anaperture and a plurality of support members configured to support thetable top. The fence may extend across a portion of the table top. Theat least two ramps may be configured to cause the subfence to movetoward or away from the fence in response to movement of one of the atleast two ramps relative to each other.

Implementations of this aspect may include one or more of the followingfeatures. The at least two ramps may be located between the fence andthe subfence by a spring-loaded mechanism. The router table may furthercomprise a clamp which may be secured to portions of the fence oppositefrom the subfence, respectively; the clamp may include a sliding block,a handle hingedly attached to the sliding block; and at least twoT-bolts configured to pull the subfence toward the clamp when the handleis pushed.

According to another general aspect, an apparatus may comprise ahousing, a fulcrum support comprising a fulcrum, a coil or springbetween the housing and the fulcrum support, a fastener, and a lever.The fastener may extend through the housing, the coil, and the fulcrumsupport. The fastener may include an end portion configured to preventthe fulcrum support from sliding off of the fastener. The lever may bepivotally connected to the housing, and may be configured to cause thefulcrum housing to slide along the coil toward the spring when the leveris pressed against the fulcrum.

Implementations of this aspect may include one or more of the followingfeatures. The fastener may include a bolt. The fulcrum support maycomprise at least two fulcrums on opposite sides of the lever.

According to another general aspect, a router table may comprise a tabletop and a mounting can. The table top may have an aperture and aplurality of support members configured to support the table top. Themounting can may be secured to a side of the table top which faces theplurality of support members. The mounting can may include a vacuum portconfigured to route air and dust from inside the mounting can to avacuum.

According to another general aspect, a router table may comprise a tabletop, a fence, and a vacuum tube. The table top may have an aperture anda plurality of support members configured to support the table top. Thefence may extend across the table top with a hold near a center of thefence. The vacuum tube may extend through the hole. According to anexample Implementation, the vacuum tube may extend away from the fenceat an angle between thirty and ninety degrees.

According to another general aspect, a router table may comprise a tabletop, a fence, and a pouch or dust collector attached to the fence. Thetable top may have an aperture and a plurality of support membersconfigured to support the table top. The fence may extend across thetable top and include a hold near a center of the fence. The dustcollector may be attached to a side of the fence opposite from theaperture of the table top. The dust collector may be configured toreceive dust through a hole in the fence, and may include a vacuum porton a side of the dust collector opposite from the fence.

Implementations of this aspect may include one or more of the followingfeatures. The vacuum port may extend away from the fence at an anglebetween thirty and sixty degrees. The fence may be configured to movetoward or away from the aperture.

According to another general aspect, a router table may comprise a tabletop, a first vacuum port, a component including a second vacuum port,and a vacuum tube. The table top may have an aperture and a plurality ofsupport members configured to support the table top. The first vacuumport may be near a side of the table top opposite from the plurality ofsupport members in a vicinity of the aperture. The component may bemounted to a side of the table top facing the plurality of supportmembers. The vacuum tube may include a first opening connected to thefirst vacuum port, a second opening connected to the second vacuum port,and a third opening configured to connect to a vacuum.

Implementations of this aspect may include one or more of the followingfeatures. The vacuum port may extend away from the fence at an anglebetween thirty and sixty degrees. The fence may be configured to movetoward or away from the aperture.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a side view of a router table according toan example embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a top view of the router table of FIG. 1,according to an example embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a side perspective view of a mounting can, sleeve, and tabletop, according to an example embodiment.

FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the router, sleeve, mountingcan, and a height adjustment mechanism according to an exampleembodiment.

FIG. 4.1 is a perspective view of the router table showing the coarseheight adjustment knob and the fine height adjustment knob according toan example embodiment.

FIG. 4.2 is a lower perspective view of the router table showing therouter mounted in the mounting can, the driveshaft, the coarse heightadjustment knob, and the fine height adjustment knob according to anexample embodiment.

FIG. 4.3 is a front view of the router table showing the router mountedin the mounting can and a portion of the driveshaft according to anexample embodiment.

FIG. 4.4 is a perspective view of the mounting can, driveshaft, coarseheight adjustment knob, and fine height adjustment knob according to anexample embodiment.

FIG. 4.5 is a perspective view of the driveshaft, coarse heightadjustment knob, and fine height adjustment knob according to an exampleembodiment.

FIG. 4.6 is a perspective view of the driveshaft, coarse heightadjustment knob, fine height adjustment knob, and planetary gearreduction according to an example embodiment.

FIG. 4.7 is another perspective view of the driveshaft, coarse heightadjustment knob, fine height adjustment knob, and planetary gearreduction according to an example embodiment.

FIG. 5 is another exploded perspective view of the router, sleeve,mounting can, and height adjustment mechanism according to an exampleembodiment.

FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the sleeve, mounting can, andheight adjustment mechanism according to an example embodiment.

FIG. 6.1 is an exploded perspective view of the sleeve and two colletsaccording to an example embodiment.

FIG. 6.2 is a perspective view of the router mounted in the sleeveaccording to an example embodiment.

FIG. 6.3 is another perspective view of the router mounted in the sleeveaccording to an example embodiment.

FIG. 6.4 is another perspective view of the router mounted in the sleeveaccording to an example embodiment.

FIG. 6.5 is a perspective view of the router mounted in the sleeve andtwo collets according to an example embodiment.

FIG. 6.6 is a perspective view of two collets according to an exampleembodiment.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a sleeve and mounting can using a leveras the height adjustment mechanism according to an example embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a lower side exploded perspective view of an alternateembodiment of the table top of FIG. 1, including an insert plate,mounting plate, and throat plate, according to an example embodiment.

FIG. 9 is an upper side perspective view of the insert plate, mountingplate, and throat plate according to an example embodiment.

FIG. 9.1 is a top perspective view of a portion of the insert plate, aportion of the mounting can with an aperture for receiving the throatplate, and router according to an example embodiment.

FIG. 9.2 is a lower perspective view of the mounting can showing amechanism for securing the throat plate according to an exampleembodiment.

FIG. 9.3 is a side perspective view of the mounting can showing themechanism for securing the throat plate according to an exampleembodiment.

FIG. 9.4 is another side perspective view of the mounting can showingthe mechanism for securing the throat plate according to an exampleembodiment.

FIG. 9.5 is a side perspective view of the mounting can showing a clamplock according to an example embodiment.

FIG. 9.6 is an upper side perspective view showing the throat plateengaged with the mounting can according to an example embodiment.

FIG. 9.7 is an upper perspective view showing the throat plate engagedwith the mounting plate according to an example embodiment.

FIG. 9.8 is an upper side perspective view showing a user lock thethroat plate into the mounting can according to an example embodiment.

FIG. 9.9 is an upper side perspective view showing the throat plateresting on the mounting can according to an example embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a lower perspective view of the insert plate and mountingplate according to an example embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a lower exploded perspective view of the insert plate andmounting plate according to an example embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a router marking plate according to anexample embodiment.

FIG. 13A is a side perspective view of a fence and fence dust collectoraccording to an example embodiment.

FIG. 13B is a top view of the fence and fence dust collector of FIG. 13Aaccording to an example embodiment.

FIG. 13C is a perspective view of the fence dust collector according toan example embodiment.

FIG. 13D is a perspective view of the fence dust collector according toanother example embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a top perspective view of the table top and fence accordingto an example embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a first end of the fence according toan example embodiment.

FIG. 16 is an upper side perspective view of the fence according to anexample embodiment.

FIG. 17 is an exploded perspective view of the fence according to anexample embodiment.

FIG. 17.1A is a perspective view of the fence track, fence drive shaft,fence pinion and associated gears according to an example embodiment.

FIG. 17.1B is a side view of the fence pinion and associated gearsaccording to the example embodiment shown in FIG. 17.1A.

FIG. 17.2 is a perspective side view of a fence according to an exampleembodiment which includes a clamp lever.

FIG. 17.3 is a perspective view of an example embodiment of a fencewhich includes a measurement indicator.

FIG. 17.4 is a perspective view of the fence according to anotherexample embodiment.

FIG. 18A is an exploded perspective view of the fence, ramps, and asubfence according to an example embodiment.

FIG. 18B is a side view of the first end of the fence according to anexample embodiment.

FIG. 18C is a perspective view of the first ramp and second rampaccording to another example embodiment.

FIG. 19 is an upper side perspective view of the first end of the fenceshowing a clamp according to an example embodiment.

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a clamp according to an exampleembodiment.

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of an alternative example embodiment ofthe clamp of FIG. 20.

FIG. 21.1 is a perspective view of another alternative exampleembodiment of the clamp of FIGS. 20 and 21.

FIG. 21.2 is another perspective view of the example embodiment of theclamp shown in FIG. 21.1.

FIG. 21.3 is a perspective view showing the fence according to anexample embodiment.

FIGS. 22A and 22B are perspective views of a fastener according to anexample embodiment.

FIG. 23 is a perspective view of a router table according to an exampleembodiment.

FIG. 24 is a perspective view of a router table according to anotherexample embodiment.

FIG. 24.1 is a perspective view of a router table according to anotherexample embodiment.

FIG. 24.2 is another perspective view of the router table according toan example embodiment.

FIG. 25A is a perspective view of the router table according to anotherexample embodiment.

FIG. 25B is another perspective view of the router table according tothe example embodiment shown in FIG. 25A.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a side view of a router table 100 accordingto an example embodiment. Dashed lines show cross-sectional featureswhich may not be visible from a side view.

This router table 100 may include a table top 102 and a plurality ofsupport members 104. The table top 102 may be configured to support aworkpiece (not shown), upon which routing operations may be performed.The table top 102, for example, may be planar, with a generally flatsurface which allows the workpiece to slide across the table top 102during routing operations. In an example embodiment, the table top 102may be rectangular; however, it is envisioned that the table top 102 maycomprise other shapes, such as a circle, polygon, or virtually any othershape that would be convenient or desirable for performing routingoperations.

In an example embodiment, the support members 104 may be configured tosupport the table top 102, such as in an elevated position above aground surface 105. In the example embodiment shown in FIG. 1, thesupport members 104 support the table top 102 in a position above theground surface 105 wherein the table top 102 is parallel to the groundsurface 105.

In one example embodiment, the support members 104 may comprise aplurality, such as four, elongated members extending from a bottomsurface of the table top 102, such as perpendicularly from the table top102. In another example embodiment, the support members 104 may comprisea plurality, such as four, planar members extending from the table top102, and an additional planar member attached to ends of the planarmembers opposite from the table top 102 to form a table bottom (notshown). The additional planar member may contact the ground surface 105.In this embodiment, one of the four planar members may be furtherdivided into two planar members each hingedly attached to one of theother three planar members. This latter embodiment creates acabinet-like structure which may be used for storage, as described belowwith reference to FIG. 23.

The router table 100 may be configured to mount a router 106 on thebottom surface of the table top 102. The router 106 may be mounted ontothe router table 100 in such a manner as to enable the router 106 toroute a workpiece lying across a top surface of the table top 102.

The router 106 may be supported by, and/or received within, a sleeve108. In an example embodiment, the sleeve 108 may be cylindrical, withopenings at both ends of the sleeve 108, and may enclose the router 106in horizontal directions, the horizontal directions being parallel tothe table top 102 and ground surface 105. However, it is envisioned thatthe sleeve 108 may be shaped other than cylindrically, and still enclosethe router 106 in the horizontal direction. The sleeve 108, for example,may be a rectangular box or other prism with open ends. The router 106may be secured inside the sleeve 108 by, for example, frictionalengagement, or by fasteners such as bolts (not shown). The dashed linesbetween the router 106 and the sleeve 108 illustrate the securement ofthe router 106 to the sleeve 108. An inner diameter d1 of the mountingsleeve 108 may be approximately equal to an outer diameter d2 of a base(and/or other portion) of the router 106.

The sleeve 108 may enable a user to adjust the position of the router106 in a vertical direction (denoted ‘V’ in FIG. 1), the verticaldirection V being perpendicular to the table top 102 and the groundsurface 105. The sleeve 108 may be limited to vertical movement by amounting can 110, to which the sleeve 108 may be slidably engaged. Inthe example embodiment in which the sleeve 108 is cylindrical, at leasta portion of the mounting can 110 may also be cylindrical. An outercircumference 109 of the sleeve 108 may be engaged to an innercircumference 111 of the mounting can 110. In another embodiment, atleast a portion of the inner surface of the sleeve 108 may slide alongat least a portion of the outer surface of the mounting can 110, as thesleeve 108 and router 106 move in the vertical direction V.

The sleeve 108 may accommodate different sized routers 106. The sleeve108 may accommodate different sized routers 106 by, for example,including an insert portion (not shown) to bridge a distance between theinner diameter d1 of the mounting sleeve 108 and the outer diameter d2of the base portion of the router 106. In another example, differentsleeves 108 may be used which have the same outer circumference 109 toengage to inner circumference 111 of the mounting can 110, but havedifferent inner diameters d1 to accommodate different outer diameters d2of different routers 106.

In the example embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the mounting can 110 may besecured to the table top 102. The mounting can 110 may be secured to thetable top 102 by fasteners, such as screws or bolts (not shown), or byfrictional or rotational engagement. In these embodiments in which themounting can 110 is secured to the table top 102, movement of the router106 and sleeve 108 relative to the mounting can 110 translates intomovement of the router 106 and the sleeve 108 relative to the table top102, as well.

Such vertical movement of the router 106 relative to the table top 102allows a router bit 112 of the router 106 to extend beyond the table top102. The extension of the router bit 112 beyond the table top 102 may beadjusted by moving the position of the sleeve 108 and router 106. Thus,it will be appreciated that a user may adjust the depth of routing bythe router bit 112 into the workpiece by adjusting the position of therouter 106 and the sleeve 108, or, similarly, the user may retract therouter bit 112 below a surface of the table top 102, such as when therouter table 102 is not currently being used.

The sleeve 108 may be configured to receive the router 106 and positionthe router bit 112 along an axis 121 extending through an aperture 113of the table top 102. An adjustment mechanism 117 may be configured tomove the sleeve 108 within the mounting can 110 and relative to thetable top 102 to thereby move the router 106 along the axis 121 andposition the router bit 112 at one of a plurality of positions relativeto the table top 102.

The adjustment mechanism 117 may adjust the position of the router 106and sleeve 108 using, for example, a geared mechanism such as a rack andpinion mechanism or a lever mechanism. In the example embodiment shownin FIG. 1, the sleeve 108 is associated with a rack gear 114 which mayextend through a slot 115 of the mounting can 110 and allow the positionof the sleeve 108 to be adjusted by a geared mechanism, as discussedwith reference to FIGS. 3-6. An embodiment in which the adjustmentmechanism 117 includes a lever mechanism is discussed with reference toFIG. 7. The adjustment mechanism 117 may allow a user to adjust therouter bit 112 without remounting the router 106 to the router table100.

The table top 102 may include an insert plate 116 which facilitates theextension of the router bit 112 through the table top 102. The insertplate 116 may be a separate component from the mounting can 110. Themounting can 110 may be connected to the insert plate 116 by, forexample, frictional or rotational engagement of tabs, a threadedsecurement mechanism, or bolts, which may facilitate quick insertion andremoval of the router 106. The insert plate 116 and associatedcomponents are discussed with reference to FIGS. 8-12. These componentsmay facilitate quick mounting of the router 106 to the router table 100.

The router table 100 may include a fence 118 which may be used to alignthe workpiece across the table top 102. The fence 118 may be elongatedand extend across all or a portion of the table top 102, as shown inFIGS. 2, 14, and 16. The fence 118 may include a front surface 119 whichfaces toward the insert plate 116. The front surface 119 may begenerally flat, and may lie along a plane perpendicular to the plane ofthe table top 102. In use, the workpiece may lie flush against the frontsurface 119 while routing operations are performed on the workpieceusing the router bit 112.

The fence 118 may be configured to move in a forward or reversedirection (denoted ‘A’ in FIG. 1), which is perpendicular to alengthwise direction of the fence 118, toward or away from the routerbit 112. Moving the fence 118 along direction A may adjust the positionin the workpiece at which the router bit 112 routes the workpiece. Thefence 118 may include an adjustment knob 120 which is configured totranslate rotational movement of the adjustment knob 120 into forward orreverse movement of the fence 118 along direction A. The adjustment knob120 may include a coarse adjustment feature and a fine adjustmentfeature, and is discussed further with reference to FIGS. 14-17.

The front surface 119 of the fence 118 may include one or more subfences(not shown in FIG. 1), which may cause portions of the front surface 119to be independently adjustable. The fence 118 may include a subfenceadjustment knob 122 which is configured to move the subfence(s) alongdirection A by, for example, translating rotational movement of thesubfence adjustment knob 122 into movement of the subfence(s) alongdirection A. The subfence adjustment knob 122 and the subfencesthemselves are illustrated and discussed, for example, with reference toFIGS. 17 and 18(A,B).

The router table 100 may include a fence vacuum port 124 which isconfigured to receive dust particles created by the routing of theworkpiece by the router bit 112. The fence vacuum port 124 may, forexample, be cylindrical, and may extend through a hole in the fence 118to allow dust particles to be vacuumed from one side of the fence 118 tothe other side of the fence 118. A fence dust collector 126 may beattached to the fence vacuum port 124 on the side of the fence 118opposite from the router bit 112. The fence dust collector 126 mayinclude a table top vacuum port 127 configured to attach to a vacuum(not shown). The fence dust collector 126 is discussed further withreference to FIGS. 13A and 13B.

The mounting can 110 may include a mounting can vacuum port 128configured to attach to a vacuum tube 130. The vacuum tube 130 may bepart of, or may be configured to attach to, the vacuum. In variousembodiments, the fence vacuum port 124 and the mounting can vacuum port128, and corresponding vacuum-related elements of FIG. 1, or othervacuum-related elements, may be used together or separately. In theexample embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the table top vacuum port 127 andthe vacuum tube 130 may join together in a Y-joint or vacuum joint 132,which enables one vacuum to remove dust particles from both the tabletop 102 and the mounting can 110. The mounting can vacuum port 128 isdiscussed further with reference to FIGS. 3-5. Embodiments of thesestructures may enable a user to vacuum dust particles from above thetable top 102, below the table top 102, or from both above and below thetable top 102.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a top view of the router table 100according to another example embodiment. In this example, the routertable 100 includes a plurality of, such as two, tracks 202 extendingacross the table top 102 in direction A, which is perpendicular to alengthwise direction of the fence 118. A first end portion 203 a and asecond end portion 203 b of the fence 118 lie along each of the tracks202. In an example embodiment, the tracks 202 are configured to allowthe fence 118 to move forward and backward along direction A. In thisexample, the fence 118 and tracks 202 are configured so that the two endportions 203 a, 203 b move along the tracks 202 in tandem, causing thefence 118 to maintain the same angle relative to the table top 102 anddirection A.

The tracks 202 may each include a plurality of slots 204. The fence 118may include pinions (not shown in FIG. 2) which engage the slots 204.The fence adjustment knob 120 may drive the pinions and cause the fence118 to move along the tracks 202. These mechanisms are discussed furtherwith reference to FIGS. 14-17.

The fence 118 may also include one or more accessory slots 206. Theaccessory slots 206 may extend the entire length or a portion of thefence 118. The accessory slots 206 may include flanges configured tosecure accessories to the accessory slots 206. Accessories which may besecured to the accessory slots 206 may include, for example, a drill,sander, or any tool which may complement operations of a router.

The router table 100 may also include an accessory gauge slot 208extending across the table top 102 along direction B, which isperpendicular to direction A, along a portion of the table top 102 whichis on an opposite side of the insert plate 116 than the fence 118. Theaccessory gauge slot 208 may be used to attach, position, and/or guideaccessories such as, for example, a miter gauge (not shown).

The insert plate 116 may rest in a recessed portion of the table top102. In the example embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the insert plate 116 isrectangular in shape. However, other shapes are envisioned, such as, forexample, another polygon, a circle, or an oval. In the embodiment shownin FIG. 2, a mounting plate 210 is secured to a bottom of the insertplate 116, and is partially viewable in FIG. 2 through an aperturewithin the insert plate. Also in FIG. 2, a throat plate 212 is securedto the mounting plate 210. The throat plate 212 includes a throat 214 orhole through which the router bit 112 (shown in FIG. 1) may extend.These components are discussed further with reference to FIGS. 8-11.

FIG. 3 is a side perspective view of the mounting can 110, sleeve 108,and insert plate 116 according to an example embodiment. In thisembodiment, the mounting can vacuum port 128 extends in a horizontaldirection from the mounting can 108. The router bit 112 extends througha hole in the insert plate 116.

The embodiment shown in FIG. 3 includes a height adjustment mechanism,as an example of the adjustment mechanism 117 of FIG. 1, which may beconfigured to elevate the router 106 with respect to the table top 102.In this example embodiment, the height adjustment mechanism includes apinion 302 configured to engage the rack gear 114 (not shown) andthereby adjust the height of the sleeve 108.

This example embodiment further includes a coarse height adjustment knob304, which comprises a disk which may be rotated by a user's hand. Theheight adjustment mechanism is configured to translate rotation of thecoarse height adjustment knob 304 into rotation of the pinion 302, whichthen moves along the rack gear 114 and thereby adjusts the height of thesleeve 108 (and the router 106) within the mounting can 110. The coarseheight adjustment knob 304 may, for example, be directly coupled to thepinion 302.

The height adjustment mechanism may further include a pinion lock 306,in an example embodiment. In this example, the pinion lock 306 may beconfigured to lock the coarse height adjustment knob 304 in place, whichmay prevent the pinion 302 from rotating and thereby may prevent thesleeve 106 from moving.

The example embodiment shown in FIG. 3 also includes a drive shaft 308.The drive shaft 308 may be an elongated member, such as a cylinder,connected to both the pinion 302 and the coarse height adjustment knob304. The drive shaft 308 may translate the rotation of the coarse heightadjustment knob 304 into rotation of the pinion 302, and described inmore detail, below.

FIGS. 4, 5, and 6 show exploded perspective views of the router 106,sleeve 108, mounting can 110, and a height adjustment mechanismaccording to an example embodiment. This view shows the mounting can 10,sleeve 108, and router 106, prior to the mounting can 110 and router 106being received by the sleeve 108.

The views of FIGS. 4, 5, and 6 also show an embodiment of the heightadjustment mechanism in greater detail than the view shown in FIG. 3.This embodiment includes the coarse adjustment knob 304 which translatesrotation to the pinion 302 through the drive shaft 308. Additionally,this embodiment may include a measurement indicator 402. The measurementindicator 402 may be disk-shaped and may be placed over the coarseadjustment knob 304. The measurement indicator 402 may include indicia(not shown) of rotation angles of the coarse adjustment knob 304, or mayinclude indicia indicating the extension of the router bit 112 (notshown) beyond the table top 102 (not shown) based on the rotations ofthe coarse adjustment knob 304 and pinion 302.

The height adjustment mechanism may also include a fine heightadjustment knob 404. The fine height adjustment knob 404 may spin freelyon the pinion 302, and may be configured to cause the pinion 302 to movein smaller increments than the coarse height adjustment knob 304. Forexample, the fine height adjustment knob 404 may be configured to causethe pinion 302 and coarse height adjustment knob 304 to rotate once forevery ten rotations of the fine height adjustment knob 404.

The height adjustment mechanism may further include a sun gear 406. Thesun gear 406 may comprise a disk sandwiched between the coarse heightadjustment knob 304 and the measurement indicator 402, and may create arecess between the coarse height knob and the measurement indicator 402in which a planetary gear reduction 408 may reside. The planetary gearreduction 408 may be bolted to the coarse height adjustment knob 304,and may include a plurality of gears configured to translate rotation ofthe fine height adjustment knob 404 into rotation of the coarse heightadjustment knob 304. The planetary gear reduction 408 may cause thecoarse adjustment knob 304 to rotate less than once for every rotationof the fine height adjustment knob 404, such as, for example, causingthe coarse height adjustment knob 304 to rotate once for every twentyrotations of the fine height adjustment knob 404.

FIG. 4.1 is a perspective view of the router table 100 showing thecoarse height adjustment knob 304 and the fine height adjustment knob404 according to an example embodiment.

FIG. 4.2 is a lower perspective view of the router table 100 showing therouter 106 mounted in the mounting can 110, the driveshaft 308, thecoarse height adjustment knob 304, and the fine height adjustment knob404 according to an example embodiment.

FIG. 4.3 is a front view of the router table 100 showing the router 106mounted in the mounting can 110 and a portion of the driveshaft 308according to an example embodiment.

FIG. 4.4 is a perspective view of the mounting can 110, driveshaft 308,coarse height adjustment knob 304, and fine height adjustment knob 404according to an example embodiment.

FIG. 4.5 is a perspective view of the driveshaft 308, coarse heightadjustment knob 304, and fine height adjustment knob 404 according to anexample embodiment.

FIGS. 4.6 and 4.7 are perspective views of the driveshaft 308, coarseheight adjustment knob 304, fine height adjustment 404, and planetarygear reduction 408 according to an example embodiment.

FIG. 6.1 is an exploded perspective view of the sleeve 108 and twocollets 602 according to an example embodiment. The collets 602 may bering-shaped and configured to receive a router 106 (not shown). In thisexample embodiment, different sized collets 602 may be used to mountdifferent sized routers 106 to the sleeve 108.

The collets 602 may be tapered to match a taper of the sleeve 108.Differently sized collets 602 may each have the same outside diameter tomatch the sleeve 108, but may have different inside diameters toaccommodate different sized routers.

Each collet 602 may include a plurality of, such as three, apertures 604for receiving fasteners (not shown). The apertures 604 may be shaped toreceive fasteners, such as screws or bolts, which may extend through thecollet 604 and into the sleeve 108, thereby securing the collet 604 tothe sleeve 108. In the example embodiment shown in FIG. 6.1, thefasteners may each extend through one collet 604, through the sleeve108, and through the collet 604 on the opposite side of the sleeve 108.In this example embodiment, the fasteners exert equal and balancedpressure on each of the collets 604 because the fasteners are directlycoupled to each of the collets 604 instead of the sleeve 108.

The collets 602 may each include a compression aperture 606. Thecompression aperture 606 be a space between ends of each collet 602, inwhich example the collets 602 are not fully circular. The compressionaperture 606 enables the collet 602 to adjust its radius slightly toaccommodate the router 106 by compression of the collet.

FIGS. 6.2-6.4 are perspective views of the router 106 mounted in thesleeve 108 according to an example embodiment. These perspective viewsshow the collets 602 secured to the sleeve 108 by fasteners 608.

FIG. 6.5 is a perspective view of the router 106 mounted in the sleeveand two collets 602 according to an example embodiment. These collets602 may be used to accommodate a different sized router 106 than thatshown in FIG. 6.5.

FIG. 6.6 is a perspective view of two collets according to an exampleembodiment.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a sleeve 108 and mounting can 110 usinga lever 702 as the height adjustment mechanism 117 according to anexample embodiment. In this embodiment, the lever 702 is pivotallyconnected to the sleeve 108 at a fulcrum point 704 through the slot 115in the mounting can 110. The slot 115 in the mounting can 110 allows thefulcrum point 704, and hence the sleeve 108, to move vertically withinthe mounting can 110. The lever 702 may be pivotally connected to themounting can 110 at a pivot point 708. The pivot point 708 may allow thelever 702 to rotate with respect to the mounting can 110. A lever joint710 between the fulcrum point 704 and the pivot point 708 may allow thelever 702 to bend, enabling the fulcrum point 704 to move verticallywithin the slot 115 while the lever 702 rotates with respect to thelever joint 710 and/or the pivot point 708.

The height adjustment mechanism may include a lever slot 712 throughwhich the lever 702 extends. The lever slot 712 may be curved tocorrespond to the rotation of the lever 702. The lever slot 712 may havea limited length to prevent the lever 702 from exceeding a desired angleof rotation.

The lever 702 may include a handle 714 on a side of the lever slot 712opposite from the mounting can 110. The handle 714 may have a diametergreater than a width of the lever slot 712 to prevent the handle 714from moving horizontally through the lever slot 712, protecting a user'sfingers. The handle 714 may include a locking mechanism to lock thelever 702 in place with respect to the lever slot 712. For example, thehandle 714 may include a trigger (not shown) configured to lock thehandle 714 to material surrounding the slot. In another embodiment, thehandle 714 may be rotationally adjustable to tighten the handle 714against the material surrounding the lever slot 712.

FIG. 8 is a lower side exploded perspective view of the table top 102,insert plate 116, mounting plate 210, and throat plate 212 according toan example embodiment. In this embodiment, the table top 102 isconfigured to receive the insert plate 116. The mounting plate 210 isconfigured to be secured to the insert plate 116, such as by frictionalengagement. The throat plate 212 may be configured to be secured to themounting plate 210 by a pair of tabs, as discussed with reference toFIG. 9. One of the tabs, which is shown in FIG. 8, may be a release tab802. The release tab 802 may be spring-loaded, and may include a triggerwhich enables a user to release the throat plate 212 by pulling thetrigger.

FIG. 9 is an upper side perspective view of the insert plate 116,mounting plate 210, and throat plate 212 according to an exampleembodiment. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 9, the mounting plate 210includes concentric apertures which form a mounting shelf 902. Themounting shelf 902 may comprise one or a plurality of flanges extendinginwardly from the mounting plate 210 in a circular or semi-circularmanner. The mounting shelf 902 may be configured to allow the throatplate 212 to rest on the mounting shelf 902 with a top surface of thethroat plate 212 even with a top surface of the insert plate 116.

The mounting plate 210 may include one or more fixed tabs 904 extendinginwardly from the mounting plate 210. The fixed tab(s) 904 may be on aside of the mounting plate 210 opposite from the release tab 802. Insome embodiments, the fixed tab(s) 904 may not be fixed, and may includea trigger or other mechanism enabling a user to pull the fixed tab(s)904 outward.

The throat plate 212 may include a groove 906 extending around aperimeter of the throat plate 212. The groove 906 may be configured toreceive the fixed tab(s) and the release tab 802. For example, a usermay mount the throat plate 212 onto the mounting plate 210 by holdingthe release tab 802 back, sliding the fixed tab(s) 904 into the groove906, laying the throat plate 212 along the mounting shelf 902, andreleasing the release tab 802 to allow the release tab 802 to enter andengage the groove 906. The release tab 802 may apply pressure to thegroove 906 of the throat plate 212 to its spring-loaded mechanism. Thispressure on the groove 906 of the throat plate 212 may lock the throatplate 212 in place and prevent the throat plate 212 from rattling.

In an example embodiment, the groove 906 may include a flat spot ordepression (not shown). The release tab 802 may engage the flat spot ordepression and prevent the throat plate 212 from rotating.

The throat plate 212 may be removed from the mounting plate 210 bypulling the release tab 802 back so that the release tab 802 exits thegroove 906, and pulling the throat plate 212 away from the fixed tab904.

FIG. 9.1 is a top perspective view of a portion of the insert plate 116,a portion of the mounting can 110 with an aperture for receiving thethroat plate 212 (not shown), and a portion of the router 106 accordingto an example embodiment. In this embodiment, the throat plate 212 maybe mounted directly to the mounting can 110 without the mounting plate210 (not shown).

FIG. 9.2 is a lower perspective view of the mounting can 110 showing amechanism for securing the throat plate 212 (not shown) according to anexample embodiment.

FIGS. 9.3 and 9.4 are side perspective views of the mounting can 110showing the mechanism for securing the throat plate 212 (not shown)according to an example embodiment.

FIG. 9.5 is a side perspective view of the mounting can 110 showing aclamp lock according to an example embodiment.

FIGS. 9.6 and 9.7 are upper side perspective views showing the throatplate 212 engaged with the mounting can 110 according to an exampleembodiment.

FIG. 9.7 is an upper perspective view showing the throat plate 212engaged with the mounting can 110 according to an example embodiment.

FIG. 9.8 is an upper side perspective view showing a user lock thethroat plate 212 into the mounting can 110 according to an exampleembodiment.

FIG. 9.9 is an upper side perspective view showing the throat plate 212resting on the mounting can 110 according to an example embodiment.

In the example embodiment shown in FIGS. 9.2-9.9, the throat plate 212may be mounted directly to the mounting can 110 without the mountingplate 210 (not shown). The mounting can 110 may also be secured directlyto the insert plate 16 (not shown) without the mounting plate 210.

FIG. 10 is a lower perspective view of the insert plate 116 and mountingplate 210 according to an example embodiment. In this exampleembodiment, the insert plate 116 includes a plurality of insert platetabs 1002 arranged in a circular manner. The plurality of insert platetabs 1002 may be located on a bottom portion of the insert plate 116,and may extend in a generally horizontal direction toward a center ofthe insert plate 116. The plurality of insert plate tabs 1002 may beconfigured to receive and support the mounting plate 210 by frictionalengagement, in an example embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a lower exploded perspective view of the insert plate 116 andmounting plate 210 according to an example embodiment. In this example,the mounting plate 210 includes a plurality of mounting plate tabs 102.The mounting plate tabs 102 may extend outwardly from the mounting plate210 in a direction which is generally parallel to the plane of themounting plate 210. The mounting plate tabs 1102 may, however, be angledaway from this plane in such a manner that one end of each of themounting plate tabs 1102 extends toward one side of the plane and theother end of each of the mounting plate tabs 1102 extends toward theother side of the plane. The mounting plate tabs 1102 may be configuredto frictionally engage the insert plate tabs 1002 of the insert plate116, which may also be angled.

The mounting plate tabs 1102 may be configured to mate with the insertplate tabs 1002. In an example embodiment, the mounting plate 210 may berotationally mounted to the insert plate 116.

In an example embodiment, the mounting plate 210 may include a pluralityof mounting holes (not shown) configured to mount various routers 106 tothe mounting plate 210 by passing fasteners such as bolts through themounting holes in the mounting plate 210. Different routers 106 may havefasteners in different positions; the mounting plate 210 may have aplurality of mounting holes configured to receive fasteners from aplurality of different router 106 types.

In another example embodiment, the mounting plate 210 may not includemounting holes. The mounting plate 210 may include mounting markings(not shown) on the mounting plate 210 or on a clear plastic overlay (notshown) configured to guide a user to drill mounting holes correspondingto fasteners of the router 106. The mounting markings may, for example,be coded by various symbols or colors to guide a user in drilling onlythe mounting holes needed for the router 106 he intends to mount to themounting plate 210.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a router marking plate 1202 accordingto an example embodiment. This example embodiment of the router markingplate 1202 may be used with an embodiment of the mounting plate 210which does not include mounting holes or mounting markers.

The router marking plate 1202 may be disk-shaped, and may comprise asoft material such as plastic, or may be made of metal or other rigidmaterial. The router marking plate 1202 may include a fitting circle1204 near a center of the router marking plate 1202 which extends in adirection perpendicular to a plane of the router marking plate 1202 andis shaped to be received by the throat 214 of the throat plate 212. Thefitting circle 1204 may include an aperture 1205 through which therouter bit 112 may extend when the router marking plate 1202 rests onthe throat plate 212.

The router marking plate 1202 may also include a plurality of mountingholes 1206. The mounting holes 1206 may extend through the routermarking plate 1202 and may be configured to receive fasteners such asbolts or screws (not shown). The mounting holes 1206 may serve to guidethe mounting of the router 106 to the mounting plate 210 in embodimentswhich secure the router 106 to the mounting plate 210 or anothercomponent of the table top 102. The mounting holes 1206 may serve asguides for the fasteners for ease of installation of the router 106. Or,the mounting holes 1206 may serve as guides to enable a user to drillholes in locations on the mounting plate 210 corresponding to fastenerssuch as bolts attached to the router 106. For example, in an embodimentin which the mounting plate 210 does not have holes shaped to receivefasteners such as bolts, a user may use the router marking plate 1202 asa guide to drill holes in the mounting plate 210 which correspond to thefasteners of the router 106.

FIG. 13A is a side perspective view of the fence 118 and fence dustcollector 126 according to an example embodiment. The fence dustcollector 126 may have a pouch-like shape and be secured to the fence118 on an opposite side of the fence from the insert plate 116. Thefence dust collector 126 may be secured to the fence 118 in a vicinityof, such as around, a fence hole 1302. The fence hole 1302 may extendthrough the fence 118 at a location near a center of the fence 118. Thefence dust collector 126 may be secured to the fence 118 near a centerof the fence 118.

The fence dust collector 126 may include a fence vacuum port 127. Thefence vacuum port 127 may be attached to a vacuum hose of a vacuum (notshown in FIG. 13A).

FIG. 13B is a top view of the fence 118 and fence dust collector 126according to an example embodiment. In this example, the fence vacuumport 127 is angled between a first angle α of, for example, thirtydegrees, and a second angle β of, for example, sixty degrees away fromthe fence 118. When dust particles are ejected from the router bit 112,the dust particles may follow the angle of the fence vacuum port 127 andfollow a path to a vacuum (not shown) with minimal physical resistance.This angle may be a function of the router bit 112 spinning against theworkpiece.

FIG. 13C is a perspective view of the fence dust collector 126 accordingto an example embodiment. In this example, the fence vacuum port 127extends away from the fence 118 in a direction which is parallel to aplane of the table top 102. The angle at which the fence vacuum port 127extends away from the fence 118 may be the same as that shown in anddescribed with reference to FIG. 13B.

FIG. 13D is a perspective view of the fence dust collector 126 accordingto another example embodiment. In this example, the fence vacuum port127 extends away from both the fence 118 and the table top 102. Theangle at which the fence vacuum port 127 extends away from the fence 118may be the same as that shown in and described with reference to FIG.13B.

FIG. 14 is a top perspective view of the table top 102 and fence 118according to an example embodiment. The fence 118 in the exampleembodiment shown in FIG. 14 extends across the table top 102 indirection B. In this example, the first end portion 203 a and the secondend portion 203 b are each secured to the table top 102 by gearedmechanisms. In the example shown in FIG. 14, the table top 102 includestracks 202 extending in direction A, to which the end portions 203 a,203 b are secured. The table top 102 further includes an accessory gageslot 208 extending in direction A, which may be used to may be used toattach, position, and/or guide accessories such as, for example, a mitergauge.

The fence 118 may include an adjustment mechanism to move the fencealong direction A. The adjustment mechanism may be configured to movethe first end portion 203 a and the second end portion 203 b an equaldistance with respect to the tracks 202. The adjustment mechanism mayinclude a fence adjustment knob 120. The fence adjustment knob 120 maybe configured to drive the adjustment mechanism in response to rotationof the fence adjustment knob 120.

The router table 100 may also include at least one, such as two,subfences 1402. The subfence 1402 may be secured to the fence 118 andextend in a similar direction as the fence 118, direction B. Thesubfence(s) 1402 may be configured to independently move toward or awayfrom the fence 118.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a first end 203 a of the fence 118according to an example embodiment. This perspective view shows slots204 of the track 202 to which a pinion (not shown) of the first end 203a may engage. This view also shows a fine fence adjustment knob 1502which may be used for fine adjustment of the fence 118. For example, theadjustment mechanism may include gears configured to cause the fenceadjustment knob 120 to rotate in response to rotation of the fine fenceadjustment knob 1502 with a ratio of less than one.

The first end 203 a may also include a subfence adjustment knob 122. Thesubfence adjustment knob 122 may be configured to cause the subfence1402 to move toward or away from the fence 118. One example of theconfiguration of the subfence adjustment knob 122 and the subfence 1402is described below with reference to FIGS. 17 and 18.

FIG. 16 is an upper side perspective view of the fence 118 according toan example embodiment. This embodiment includes components similar tothe components described with reference to FIGS. 14 and 15.

FIG. 17 is an exploded perspective view of the first end portion 203 aof the fence 118 according to an example embodiment. In this exampleembodiment, the adjustment mechanism includes the fence adjustment knob120, the fine fence adjustment knob 1502, and the track 202 and slots204 discussed above. This example of the adjustment mechanism furtherincludes a pinion 1702 and a driveshaft 1704. In this example, the fenceadjustment knob 120 and/or the fine fence adjustment knob 1502 may drivethe pinion 1702 along the track 202, causing the first end portion 203 ato move in forward or reverse along the table top 102. The fenceadjustment knob 120 and/or the fine fence adjustment knob 1502 may alsodrive the driveshaft 1704, which may in turn drive a pinion or othermechanism on the second end portion 203 b (not shown) and move thesecond end portion 203 b in forward or reverse along the table top 102.The fence adjustment knob 120 and/or the fine fence adjustment knob 1502may drive the adjustment mechanism to cause the first end portion 203 aand the second end portion 203 b to move in tandem across the table top102.

In the example embodiment shown in FIG. 17, a first ramp 1706 and asecond ramp 1708 may be sandwiched between the subfence 1402 and thefence 118. The first ramp 1706 may include at least one, or a pluralityof, wedges configured to mate with at least one, or a plurality of,wedges on the second ramp 1708. The subfence 1402 may include a hole1710 shaped to receive a fastener such as a bolt (shown in FIG. 18B),and the second ramp 1708 may include a slot 1712 shaped to receive thefastener such as the bolt. The fastener may secure the subfence 1402 andsecond ramp 1708 to the first ramp 1706 and the fence 118.

FIG. 17.1A is a perspective view of the fence track, fence drive shaft,fence pinion and associated gears according to an example embodiment.This example shows the fence pinions 1702 mechanically coupled to eachother by the fence drive shaft 1704, and the fence pinions 1702mechanically coupled to the fence tracks 202 by meshing of the teeth ofthe fence pinion 1702 with the track slots 204.

In this example, the fine adjustment knob 1502 may be mechanicallycoupled to the fence pinion 1702 by at least three interlocking gears,such as a fine adjustment gear 1714, an intermediate gear 1716, and apinion gear 1718. For example, the fine adjustment knob 1502 may becoupled to the fine adjustment gear 1714 by a mechanical connectionwhich causes the fine adjustment gear 1714 to rotate at the same rate asthe fine adjustment knob 1714. The fine adjustment gear 1714 may bemechanically coupled to the intermediate gear 1716 by interlocking ofthe teeth of the fine adjustment gear 1714 and the intermediate gear1716. The gear ratio between the fine adjustment gear 1714 and theintermediate gear 1716 may be such that the intermediate gear 1716undergoes less than a full rotation for each rotation of the fineadjustment gear 1714. Or, the gear ratio may allow the intermediate gear1716 to undergo one or more rotations for each rotation of the fineadjustment gear 1714, and the intermediate gear 1716 may serve to causethe pinion gear 1718 to rotate in the same direction as the fineadjustment gear 1714.

The intermediate gear 1716 may be mechanically coupled to the piniongear 1718 by interlocking of the teeth of the intermediate gear 1716 andthe pinion gear 1718. The gear ratio between the intermediate gear 1716and the pinion gear 1718 may be such that the pinion gear 1718 rotatesless than once for each rotation of the intermediate gear 1716. Themechanical coupling between the pinion gear 1718 and the fine adjustmentgear 1714 may cause the pinion gear 1718 to rotate less than once foreach rotation of the fine adjustment gear 1714. Rotation of the piniongear 1718 may cause the fence pinion 1702 to rotate, which in turn maycause the fence 118 to move across the table top 102 (not shown in FIG.17.1A).

FIG. 17.1B is a side view of the fence pinion 1702 and associated gears1714, 1716, 1718 according to the example embodiment shown in FIG.17.1A. As shown in this example, the intermediate gear 1716 allows thepinion gear 1718 to rotate in the same direction as the fine adjustmentgear 1714. This may allow a user to adjust the fence 118 by rotatingeither the fence fine adjustment knob 1502 or the fence adjustment knob120 (not shown in FIG. 17.1B); rotating either the fence fine adjustmentknob 1502 or the fence adjustment knob 120 in a clockwise direction maycause the fence 118 to move to the right (from the perspective of theuser), whereas rotating either the fence fine adjustment knob 1502 orthe fence adjustment knob 120 in a counter-clockwise direction may causethe fence 118 to move to the left. By coupling the gears 1714, 1716,1718 in such a manner that rotating the fence fine adjustment knob 1502or fence adjustment knob 120 in the same direction causes the fence 118to move in the same direction, the fence 118 may be easier for a user toadjust.

FIG. 17.2 is a perspective side view of a fence 118 according to anexample embodiment which includes a clamp lever 1720. This example maynot include an intermediate gear 1716. In this example, rotating thefence fine adjustment knob 1502 may cause the fence 118 to move in adirection opposite to that of a similar rotation of the fence adjustmentknob 120 (not shown in FIG. 17.2).

The fence 118 may also include the clamp lever 1720 configured to securethe fence 118 in place by frictional engagement with an edge of thetable top 102 (not shown in FIG. 17.2). The clamp lever 1720 may behingedly attached to the fence 118 to flex along a vertical plane withrespect to the table top 102, and may be mechanically coupled to a clamplever 1720 (not shown) on the opposite side of the fence 118. Themechanical coupling between the two clamp levers 1720 may cause bothclamp levers 1720 to move up or down in tandem. A user may secure thefence 118 to the table top 102 by pressing one or both clamp levers 1720down against the table top 102, and may free the fence 118 foradjustment by pulling one or both clamp levers 1720 up and away from thetable top 102.

FIG. 17.3 is a perspective view of an example embodiment of a fence 118which includes a measurement indicator 1722. The measurement indicator1722 may be visible through an aperture of the fence 118, according toan example embodiment. The measurement 1722 may include indicia whichindicate measurements, such as numbers and markings which indicateinches or centimeters, for example.

In an example embodiment, the measurement indicator 1722 may include atape measure secured to the table top 102. The measurement indicator1722 may, for example, be secured to the table top 102 by fasteners, orby dovetails on each end which may slide back and forth within slots inthe table top 102.

In the example shown in FIG. 17.3, the fence 118 includes the fine fenceadjustment knob 1502, but not the fence adjustment knob 120. The fence118 also may not include the intermediate gear 116. A user may make fineadjustments to the position of the fence 118 by rotating the fine fenceadjustment knob 1502, and may make coarse adjustments to the position ofthe fence 118 by pushing or pulling on the fence 118 with his or herhands, according to an example embodiment.

FIG. 17.4 is a perspective view of the fence 118 according to anotherexample embodiment. In this example, the fence 118 may include a singlefence adjustment knob 120. In this example, the fence adjustment knob120 may not be directly coupled to the fence drive shaft 1704 (not shownin FIG. 17.4), but may be coupled to the fence drive shaft 1704 via anadjustment knob gear 1724, a large idle gear 1726 a small idle gear1728, and a drive shaft gear 1730. In the example shown in FIG. 17.4,the adjustment knob gear 1724 may be directly coupled to the fenceadjustment knob 120, and the large idle gear 1726 may be directlycoupled to the fence adjustment knob gear 1724. The large idle gear 1726and small idle gear 1728 may be mounted on a pin 1732 which passesthrough the fence 118 for stability. The small idle gear 1728, which mayrotate with the large idle gear 1726, may be directly coupled to thedrive shaft gear 1730. The drive shaft gear 1730, fence pinion 1702, andfence drive shaft 1704 may rotate independently of the fence adjustmentknob 120 and adjustment knob gear 1724. In an example embodiment, theadjustment knob gear 1724 may have a smaller radius than the large idlegear 1726, and the small idle gear 1728 may have a smaller radius thanthe drive shaft gear 1730, causing the fence drive shaft 1704 to rotatefewer times than the fence adjustment knob 120 according to a selectedgear ratio, such as three-to-one. The fence 118 may also includemeasurement indicia 1734 coupled to the fence adjustment knob 120; themeasurement indicia 1734 may or may not rotate independently of thefence adjustment knob 120.

FIG. 18A is an exploded perspective view of the fence 118, ramps 1706,1708, and the subfence 1402 according to an example embodiment. In thisexample embodiment, the subfence adjustment knob 122 may drive the firstramp 1706 laterally along direction A, such as by a threaded mechanism.The first ramp 1706 may include at least one, or a plurality of, slots1802 shaped to receive the fastener which secures the subfence 1402,second ramp 1708, and first ramp 1706 to the fence 118 (not shown inFIG. 18A).

In the example shown in FIG. 18A, lateral movement of the first ramp1706 relative to the second ramp 1708 may force the second ramp 1708 tomove away from the first ramp 1706 along direction B, forcing thesubfence 1402 to move away from the fence 118 along direction B. Thesubfence 1402 may be held toward the fence 118 by the fastener, whichmay be spring-loaded, or which may be rigid and require adjustment toallow movement or securement of the subfence 1402, second ramp 1708, andfirst fence 1706.

FIG. 18B is a side view of the first end 203 a of the fence 118according to an example embodiment. This view shows a fastener head 1806of a fastener 1808. The fastener 1808 may extend through the first ramp1706, the second ramp 1708, and the subfence 1402, and may therebysecure the subfence 1402 to the fence 118 (not shown in FIG. 18B). Thefastener head 1806 may enable a user to adjust the fastener 1808 andallow movement of the first ramp 1706, the second ramp 1708, and thesubfence 1402. In some embodiments, such as where the fastener 1808comprises a bolt, the fastener 1808 may rigidly secure the first ramp1706, second ramp 1708, and subfence 1402, and adjustment to thefastener 1808 may be required to adjust these components. In otherembodiments, such as where the fastener 1808 comprises a spring-loadedmechanism, a user may adjust the first ramp 1706, second ramp 1708, andsubfence 1402, without manually adjusting the fastener 1808.

FIG. 18C is a perspective view of the first ramp 1706 and second ramp1708 according to another example embodiment. In this example, the firstramp 1706 includes a plurality of teeth or first ramp wedges 1810, andthe second ramp 1708 includes a plurality of teeth or second ramp wedges1812 which are configured to mate with the first ramp wedges 1810. Theplurality of first ramp wedges 1810 and second ramp wedges 1812 mayenable finer adjustment of the subfence 1402 (not shown in FIG. 18C),according to an example embodiment. In the example shown in FIG. 18C,the second ramp 1708 may include a slot 1712 shaped to receive thefastener such as the bolt; although not shown, the first ramp 1706 mayalso include the at least one, or a plurality of, slots 1802 shaped toreceive the fastener which secures the subfence 1402, second ramp 1708,and first ramp 1706 to the fence 118.

FIG. 19 is an upper side perspective view of the first end 203 a of thefence 118 showing a clamp 1902 version of the fastener 1808 according toan example embodiment. In this embodiment, a user may press on the clamp1902 to enable movement of the subfence 1402.

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the clamp 1902 according to an exampleembodiment. In this example, the clamp 1902 may include a housing 2002.The housing 2002 may be made of a rigid material, and may be u-shapedwith either rounded or angled corners. A fastener 2004 such as a boltmay extend through the housing 2002. The fastener 2004 may be configuredto secure the first ramp 1706, second ramp 1708, and subfence 1402 tothe fence 118. The clamp 1902 may include a lever 2006 pivotallyattached to the housing 2002. The clamp 1902 may also include a coil2008 or spring wrapped around a portion of the fastener 2004 which isinside the housing 2002. The fastener 2004 may include a nut 2010, head,or extrusion at one or both ends to prevent objects from sliding off ofor away from the fastener 2004.

The clamp 1902 may include a fulcrum support 2012 receiving the fastener2004. The fulcrum support 2012 may be located between the coil 2008 andthe nut 2010. The nut 2010 may prevent the fulcrum support 2012 fromsliding off of the fastener 2004, and the coil 2008 may press thefulcrum support 2012 away from the housing 2002.

The fulcrum support 2012 may include a first fulcrum 2014 and a secondfulcrum 2016, each extending from the fulcrum support 2012. The lever2006 may be located between the first fulcrum 2014 and the secondfulcrum 2016. The first fulcrum 2014 may be positioned on the fulcrumsupport 2012 farther from the coil 2008 than the second fulcrum 2016.

The first fulcrum 2014 may prevent the lever 2006 from falling backward.The second fulcrum 2016 may enable the lever 2006 to move forward alongthe fastener 2004 against the coil 2008. When a user presses the lever2006 in direction ‘L’, the lever 2006 may rotate about the housing 2002,press against the second fulcrum 2016, and force the fulcrum support2012 forward against the coil 2008. This may allow the fastener 2004 tomove in direction L relative to the housing, loosening the securement ofthe first ramp 1706, second ramp 1708, and subfence 1402, in an exampleimplementation.

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of an alternative example embodiment of aclamp 1902. In this example embodiment, the clamp 1902 includes aplurality of fasteners 2004, a plurality of coils 2008, and a pluralityof nuts 2010. The components and functionalities of the clamp 1902 shownin FIG. 21 are similar to the components and functionalities of theclamp 1902 shown in FIG. 20.

FIG. 21.1 is a perspective view of another alternative exampleembodiment of the clamp 1902 of FIGS. 20 and 21. In this exampleembodiment, the clamp 1902 may include a handle 2102 hingedly attachedto a sliding block 2104 of the clamp 1902. The sliding block 2104 may beconfigured to slide laterally within a groove 2105 extending along thefence to allow adjustment of the subfence 1402, as discussed above.

The handle 2102 may be configured to swing in a first direction, such asdown relative to the table top 102 (not shown), to lock the subfence1402 in position, and to swing in a second direction, such as uprelative to the table top 102, to unlock the subfence 1402. The clamp1902 may include trunnions 2106 located in cavities of the handle 2102;the trunnions 2106 may be configured to pull T-bolts 2108 (shown in FIG21.2) toward the handle 2102 when the handle 2102 is pushed down, whichT-bolts 2108 in turn may pull the subfence 1402 toward the handle 2102,locking the subfence 1402 against the fence 118. In an exampleembodiment, the trunnions 2106 may be eccentrically shaped, and/or mayinclude eccentric pivot drawbolts configured to lock the handle 2102 inthe down position with the subfence 1402 locked against the fence 118.The cavities of the handle 2102 may also include springs configured tohold the handle 2102 in an elevated position when the handle 2102 hasnot been pushed down into the locked position. The cavities may alsoinclude adjustment nuts which may be configured to adjust the positionof the T-bolts 2108 with respect to the handle 2102.

FIG. 21.2 is another perspective view of the example embodiment of theclamp 1902 shown in FIG. 21.1. This view shows the T-bolts 2108extending through the fence 118; the T-bolts 2108 may be secured to thesubfence 1402, such as by a ball-and-socket joint.

FIG. 21.3 is a perspective view showing the fence 118 according to anexample embodiment. In this example, the fence 118 may include slots2110 configured to receive the T-bolts 2108 shown in FIG. 21.2. Theslots 2110 may correspond to the first ramp slot 1802 and the secondramp slot 1712. The subfence 1402 may include flanges 2112 configured toreceive the T-bolts 2108. The flanges 2112 may be configured to allowthe T-bolts 2108 to secure the 1402 to the fence 118. The slots 2110 maybe configured, in conjunction with the T-bolts 2108, to prevent the twosubfences 1402 from touching in the middle of the fence 118, accordingto an example embodiment.

FIGS. 22A and 22B are perspective views of a fastener 2200 according toan example embodiment. The fastener 2200 shown in FIGS. 22A and 22B may,in an example implementation, be used as the fastener 1808 which securesthe first ramp 1706, second ramp 1708, and subfence 1402 to the fence118.

The fastener 2200 may include a shaft 2102 and a handle 2104 pivotallyconnected to the shaft 2102. The shaft 2102 may be an elongated membermade of a rigid material. The handle 2104 may have a first, longer end,adapted to be gripped by a user, and a shorter end attached to a cord2106. The cord 2106 may, in an example embodiment, be made of an elasticmaterial. The cord 2106 may be attached to the handle 2104 at a firstend and to a support 2108 at a second end. The support 2108 may belocated at an end of the shaft 2102 opposite from the handle 2104.Pivoting the handle 2104 may change the distance between the location onthe handle 2104 at which the cord 2106 is attached and the support 2108.Thus, pivoting the handle 2104 may tighten or loosen the cord 2106.

FIG. 23 is a perspective view of a router table 100 according to anexample embodiment. In this example, the router table 100 may include atleast one, such as a plurality of, shelves 2302. The shelves 2302 maylie in a plane substantially parallel to the table top 102, and may besupported by the support members 104. In an example embodiment, theshelves 2302 may be supported by the support members 104 by attachmentto the support members 104 or by connection to a member which isattached to the support members 104. In another example embodiment, theshelves 2302 may be supported by a member which is attached to the tabletop 102.

The router table 100 may also include inserts 2304. The inserts 2304 maybe grooves or recesses on a member located between the support members104. The member on which the inserts 2304 are located may be connectedto the shelves 2302 or to a member(s) attached to the shelves 2302, orto the table top 102 or to a member(s) attached to the table top 102.The inserts 2304 may used to store tools, such as a bit or a wrench,which may be useful in performing routing operations.

At least one of the support members 104 may include an aperture 2306.The aperture 2306 may allow a vacuum tube to extend from outside therouter table 100 to the mounting can vacuum port 128.

FIG. 24 is a perspective view of a router table 100 according to anotherexample embodiment. In this embodiment, the router table 100 includesone or more side shelves 2402. The side shelves 2402 may extend from oneor more support members 104. The side shelves 2402 may include one ormore shelf slots 2404 and/or one or more shelf recesses 2406. The shelfslots 2404 and shelf recesses 2406 may be used for storing tools, suchas a bit or a wrench.

FIGS. 24.1 and 24.2 are perspective views of a router table 100according to another example embodiment.

FIG. 25A is a perspective view of the router table 100 according toanother example embodiment. FIG. 25B is another perspective view of therouter table 100 according to the example embodiment shown in FIG. 24A

While certain features of the described implementations have beenillustrated as described herein, many modifications, substitutions,changes and equivalents will now occur to those skilled in the art. Itis, therefore, to be understood that the appended claims are intended tocover all such modifications and changes as fall within the true spiritof the embodiments.

1. A router table comprising: a table top having an aperture and aplurality of support members, the support members being configured tosupport the table top; a fence extending across a portion of the tabletop; and a first subfence and a second subfence connected to the fence,the first subfence and the second subfence each being configured to movetoward or away from the fence independently of the other.
 2. The routertable of claim 1, further comprising a first clamp and a second clamp,the first clamp and the second clamp being secured to portions of thefence opposite from the first subfence and the second subfence,respectively, and each of the first clamp and the second clampincluding: a sliding block; a handle hingedly attached to the slidingblock; and at least two T-bolts configured to pull the first or secondsubfence toward the first or second clamp, respectively, when the handleis pushed.
 3. The router table of claim 2, wherein the first clamp andsecond clamp each further include trunnions configured to pull the atleast two T-bolts when the handle is pushed, causing the T-bolts to pullthe first or second subfence toward the first or second clamp,respectively.
 4. The router table of claim 3, wherein the trunnionsinclude eccentric pivot drawbolts.
 5. A router table comprising: a tabletop having an aperture and a plurality of support members, the supportmembers being configured to support the table top; a fence extendingacross a portion of the table top; a subfence connected to the fence;and at least two ramps sandwiched between the fence and the subfence,the at least two ramps being configured to cause the subfence to movetoward or away from the fence in response to movement of one of the atleast two ramps relative to the other.
 6. The router table of claim 5,wherein the at least two ramps are located between the fence and thesubfence by a spring-loaded mechanism.
 7. The router table of claim 5,further comprising a clamp, the clamp being secured to portions of thefence opposite from the subfence, respectively, the clamp including: asliding block; a handle hingedly attached to the sliding block; and atleast two T-bolts configured to pull the subfence toward the clamp whenthe handle is pushed.
 8. A router table comprising: a table top havingan aperture and a plurality of support members, the support membersbeing configured to support the table top; an insert plate received bythe table top; and a mounting plate rotationally mounted to the insertplate.
 9. The router table of claim 8, wherein the insert platecomprises a plurality of insert plate tabs, the mounting plate comprisesa plurality of mounting plate tabs configured to mate with the insertplate tabs, and the mounting plate is mounted to the insert plate byengagement of the mounting plate tabs to the insert plate tabs.
 10. Therouter table of claim 8, further comprising a throat plate resting on amounting shelf of the mounting plate.
 11. The router table of claim 10,wherein the throat plate is secured to the mounting plate by a releasetab, the release tab being configured to release the throat plate inresponse to a user pulling on the release tab.
 12. The router table ofclaim 10, wherein the throat plate is secured to the mounting plate by aspring-loaded release tab, the spring-loaded release tab beingconfigured to release the throat plate in response to a user pulling ona trigger of the spring-loaded release tab.